CURRENT MISSION

Bring light to those that are in the dark. See http://betterlight.wordpress.com for details.

ABOUT ME

So many interests. As a professional photographer I shoot travel of course, aerial, architectural, portraits, events and also do studio work. I have been using Photoshop for over 10 years and do large format and giclee printing for myself and others, as well as some graphic design. I shoot video and have edited and produced a documentary on a trip to a remote hidden monastery in the Himalayas.

Cycling trips to exotic locations as well as motorcycle trips. Adventure. 3rd world countries, ethnic minorities, exotic cultures, way way off the beaten track. I've posted a documentary video I did called "Journey to the Hidden Valley" at http://vimeo.com/13992339

I'm lucky beyond belief. Even when I'm falling it feels like I'm flying.

I had a successful software programming business and did web design for years.

I spent 5 years working in Nepal, Bhutan and Hunza Pakistan installing village water systems, small scale hydro electric systems for the government of Nepal, the UN and other NGOs.

My current focus is lighting projects for remote villages without electricity. Specifically using rechargeable LED lanterns (with NiMH batteries) and a central solar photovoltaic charging station in the village. The project is designed to be run by the women in the village. The prototype installation was very successful and I will returning in Oct to Nepal to work with a couple of non government organizations (NGOs)to implement several more lighting projects. Details about the project and photos can be found here: betterlight.wordpress.com.

Locally here in Maui Hawaii I am a active in the community - serving on several non profit boards and volunteering my time and experience.

PHILOSOPHY

Be at peace. Laugh. Do no harm. Be honest, be very honest. Listen and learn. Don't take your self too seriously. No good deed goes unpunished. Share what you know. Everyone has something to teach and much to learn. There is a funny side to everything. Enjoy the process, don't get hung up on the goal which is the same as enjoy the journey, don't worry about the destination. Don't dwell on the past, enjoy the present, and be aware of how the present impacts the future.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Share with those that ask - my expertise would be mostly on Maui, Hawaii and Nepal.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

None yet as I just signed up. I look forward to meeting more surfers shortly. Recently helped some CSers from China that temporarily relocated to Maui, get settled.

Interests

Travel, photography, biking, hiking, learning, helping others that have little, learning languages. Motorcycling, trekking in the Himalayas is a specialty.

• design
• graphic design
• photography
• documentaries
• running
• drinking
• flying
• traveling
• cycling
• hiking
• track and field
• business
• languages
• software
• volunteering

Music, Movies, and Books

This is a long list, but I guess I need to start somewhere. Books: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, books by Herman Hesse, I Ching, Tao Te Ching, Chuang Tze

Music: Stones, Beatles, Sting, U2, Paul Simon, Nina Simone, Miles Davis, Jack Johnson, Keb 'Mo, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton

Movies: Departures

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Too many to list. Hitchhiked around the world at 19. Swam with humpback whales and dolphins, experienced shamans in trance doing exorcisms, safari in Africa, provide drinking water and lighting to villages that have none. Motorcycle trips all over. Long cycling trips. 40 treks in the Himalayas ...

Teach, Learn, Share

Photography, advanced used of digital SLRs, composition, PhotoShop.

I have many years of experience trekking in Nepal.

Countries I’ve Visited

Afghanistan, Austria, Barbados, Belgium, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Laos, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malaysia, Martinique, Monaco, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, United Kingdom, Vatican City State, Venezuela, Zambia

Countries I’ve Lived In

Japan, Nepal, United States

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